Sunday in Edinburgh – What’s On Today

Cameo Culture Shock: the best in cult and genre films. Tonight: Jodorowsky’s Dune (12A). Alejandro Jodorowsky’s uncompleted adaptation of Frank Herbert’s epic sci-fi novel is one of the great what-ifs of cinema history. Jodorowsky immodestly described his ambitious work as ‘the most important picture in the history of humanity’. Frank Pavich’s multi award-winning documentary features animated sequences based on Jodorowsky’s original storyboards and interviews with those involved, including designer HR Giger, producer Michael Seydoux, actor Amanda Lear and the irrepressible director himself. It entertainingly reveals the forces that fuelled the Chilean auteur’s unfulfilled vision. 9pm, Cameo, Home Street. Tickets may be purchased from the Box Office in person, by calling 0871 902 5723 or online here; prices vary.

Africa In Motion Family Day: an afternoon of storytelling and short films for the whole family. Interactive and engaging animal tales from Mara the storyteller at 2pm, followed at 3.45pm by AfriKids, a cinematic adventure across the wild and wonderful African continent. Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Mara’s storytelling session is free but ticketed; usual admission prices apply for Afrikids. Tickets may be purchased from the Filmhouse box office in person, by calling 0131 228 2688 or online.

Filmhouse Junior: screenings for a younger audience. Today’s film is ParaNorman (PG): when a small town comes under siege by zombies, it calls on misunderstood local boy Norman and his talent for speaking to the dead to save its citizens from a centuries-old curse. Watch Norman take on ghosts, witches and (worst of all) grown-ups in this spooky stop-motion comedy for all the family! 11am, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets cost £4 per person, big or small, and may be purchased from the Filmhouse box office in person, by calling 0131 228 2688 or online here.

The 2015 Scottish International Storytelling Festival continues today! A ten-day celebration of live storytelling, oral traditions and cultural diversity in which Scottish stories intertwine with those of Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and beyond. Storytelling, family events, walking tours, talks, lectures and workshops at venues around Edinburgh. Today’s events include Hallowe’en at Lauriston Castle, Storytelling for a Greener World, Jacobites: The 1715 Special!, Dig It! 2015 at Cramond, Stories Without Borders: The Bridge, An Evening At The Jemaa El-Fnaa Square and an Open Hearth session with Claire McNicol. Read The Edinburgh Reporter’s article about the festival here, and for the full programme and booking details visit the Scottish Storytelling Centre’s website here. More events every day until 1st November 2015.

St Giles’ at Six: Aisling Agnew (flute) and Christopher Baxter (piano) will perform Poulenc Sonata, Messiaen Le Merle Noir, Ronald Stevenson A’e Gowden Lyric, Ronald Stevenson A Wheen Tunes for Bairns tae Spiel, Veronique Vella Wens, Carl Nielsen The Fog is Lifting, Sir Peter Maxwell Davies Two Dances for Caroline Mathilde and Hamilton Harty In Ireland. 6pm, St Giles’ Cathedral, High Street. Free; retiring collection.

LGBT – Me & T Monthly: a supportive space for people who have friends, family or partners who are trans*, non-binary or exploring their gender. An opportunity to discuss experiences, questions or concerns. People who are looking for support with their own gender identity or transition are advised to try other social and support opportunities such as T time, to which family, friends and partners are also invited. 2-4pm, LGBT Health & Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street. For more information please contact me.and.t.scotland@gmail.com.

Blackwells Edinburgh and Profile Books Presents An Evening with Mary Beard: the country’s foremost classicist will be in conversation with historical novelist Douglas Jackson about her latest book, SPQR: A History Of Ancient Rome. 7pm, Assembly Rooms, 54 George Street. Tickets cost £10 and may be obtained from Blackwell’s South Bridge front desk, by calling 0131 622 8229 or via eventbrite here.

Edinburgh University Singers: a concert of sacred and secular choral music. Conductor: John Kitchen, organist: Calum Robertson. 3pm, Old St Paul’s Church, Jeffrey Street. Tickets cost £5/£3 on the door.

Shore Poets – October: the headline poet this month is Forward Prize winner Liz Berry, plus work from Martin MacIntyre and Louise Peterkin. And as always, there’ll be the famous lemon cake raffle and excellent music. 7.15pm, Henderson’s at St John’s, Lothian Road. £5/£3, pay on the door. For more information please email publicity@shorepoets.org.uk.

Dusherra 2015: the largest Indian festival in Scotland, with children’s activities, cultural programmes and fireworks! From 2.30pm, Calton Hill. All welcome. Organised by Scottish Indian Arts Forum.

Ragged University Film and Curry Night: come along, relax and put your feet up; share a vegetarian curry in a free community meal, chat, get to know people, and then watch a film. This month’s film is The New Economy: It’s Happening Now, Where We Live; Will Raap, Michelle Long and David Orr discuss how we are having to redesign our economies so that they are less damaging, support more employment and foster better social relations. This video from the New Economics Foundation gives three perspectives on what sustainable economics means. 6-8.30pm, Serenity Cafe, The Tun, 8 Jackson’s Entry, Holyrood Road. Free, but Serenity Cafe is a social enterprise so – for those who can afford it – people are invited to make a donation to help Serenity to continue to provide an alcohol-free social space for people to meet.

Rock & Roll Ping Pong: with DJ Ding and DJ Dong. A free monthly Sunday-night social – fine beers and fine company, with free-play, silly ping pong games, and music from every genre to play along to. Also, for those with a wee bit of a competitive instinct, there’s an optional, strictly amateur tournament – £1 to enter, winner takes all. 7-11pm, The Bongo Club, 66 Cowgate.